Summertime Means Baltimore Snowballs

When summer temperatures begin to heat up in Maryland, there's one sweet treat that can cool things down in a delicious way: a Baltimore snowball. Not to be confused with a snow cone or Italian water ice, snowballs are a unique frozen concoction with a history that dates back some 200+ years. There's no denying snowballs are as synonymous with summer in Baltimore as a bushel of steamed blue crabs.

What makes a Baltimore snowball so special? It starts with the shaved ice that isn't too fine and isn't too chunky. Traditionally served in a Styrofoam cup, the perfectly shaved ice is flavored with sweet syrups, totally customizable to your liking, and is topped off with marshmallow fluff and other add-ons. (Don't knock it 'til you try it!) The three quintessential flavors are egg custard, Tutti-Frutti and Skylite (a mystery flavor that's blue and fruity). Snowball stands offer an extensive selection of flavors to choose from – creamy, chocolaty, fruity, floral, citrusy – the possibilities are endless!

Snowball stands can be found in every Baltimore neighborhood, but their history goes back for generations. In the mid-1800s, ice houses shipped wagons with huge ice blocks from New York to the South. Legend has it that as these wagons passed through Baltimore on hot summer days, kids would beg for ice shavings to cool off from the heat. Mothers would make flavored syrups, mainly from eggs, vanilla and sugar, to turn those shavings into a sweet dessert, which explains why egg custard is still a beloved flavor today.

Want to get your hands on one of these icy concoctions? Here are a few snowball stands within close proximity to Rachael's Dowry. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for pop-up stands and mobile trucks throughout the city.

Icy Delights │ 3930 Fleet St., Baltimore
This family-owned chain of snowball stores and stands has nine locations in the greater Baltimore area. They've been serving up the iconic shaved ice treats with gourmet flavors since 1992. The Fleet Street stand is located on the Highland Community Church parking lot.

Ice Queens │ 1648 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore
Voted as the Baltimore Sun's Best Snowballs in 2022, Ice Queens touts their snowballs as New Orleans style. The shaved ice might be a bit fluffier than the traditional Baltimore style, but the snowballs from this black- and woman-owned business have clearly become a local favorite.

Quality Snowballs │ 1014 W. 36th St., Baltimore
What was once a shipping container is now a seasonal snowball stand serving classic and specialty flavors. The snowball stand is owned by Chad Gauss, who is also the chef and owner of The Food Market Hampden directly across the street.

Walther Gardens │ 3501 Southern Ave., Baltimore
With roots dating back to 1922, this northeast Baltimore location is touted as the oldest snowball stand in America. Enjoy a classic snowball, then check out Walther Gardens' other offerings, including flowers, plants, gifts, and indoor and outdoor decor.

Sugar Shack Snowballs │ 2801 Greenmount Ave., Baltimore
Sugar Shack is actually a snowball truck with the ability to bring its 25+ flavors to sites around the city. You can usually find this mobile snowball business parked at Waverly Towers, but check their Facebook page for location updates.